Culture Worthy of your Calendar

The Art & History Museums – Maitland invites us to explore what our Florida peninsula was like before the European explorers in its new exhibit “Borders of Paradise: The New World in the Eyes of Explorers,” beginning Friday, Dec. 9, and continuing through Feb. 26. “Borders of Paradise” includes watercolors, prints and maps that illustrate real (and exaggerated) versions of the New World, including works by artists who viewed the new American landscape firsthand. Many of their portrayals were reproduced throughout Europe, shaping Europe’s skewed perception of the new lands well into the 19th century. Of special interest are the maps, which are often outrageously divergent from what we now recognize as geographical fact. The museum is at 221 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland. An opening reception will be held Friday, Dec. 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the museum galleries. The Maitland Art Center galleries will also be open during the reception featuring the exhibit “Dialogue: Camilo Velasquez.” Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Music of a classic Christmas

The superbly trained, 160-voice Bach Festival Choir and Bach Festival Orchestra invite the community to the Knowles Memorial Chapel (on the Rollins College campus) for their annual holiday concert. A tradition for generations of Central Florida families, the Bach Festival Society celebrates 77 years of musical offerings this season. One of the longest continuously operating Bach Festivals in the country, the choir’s performances are of the highest caliber. Under conductor John Sinclair, the Christmas program will also feature the Festival Youth Choir as they perform holiday favorites and selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.” Performances are Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Knowles Chapel. Call 407-646-2182 or visit BachFestivalFlorida.org

Free holiday concert

“Tinsel Tapestry” is the title given to the free program of holiday music being offered by the Maitland Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 pm. The tinsel in the title is a major clue as to the music to be included in the concert, as the symphony, sponsored by the Performing Arts of Maitland, offers the concert in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Maitland. Program highlights include the “Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky, Leroy Anderson favorites, “Deck the Halls” from the Mannheim Steamroller collection, and Christmas melodies from Irving Berlin. The concert is free and is a celebration for all ages. The First Presbyterian Church is located at 340 N. Orlando Ave. No reservations are required.

Winter Park Boat Parade

Rain or shine, the eighth annual Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 10, on Lake Virginia and Lake Osceola. This community-wide water parade — with holiday-themed (and lighted) boats along the shorelines — is hosted by the Rotary Club of Winter Park to benefit local nonprofits. Food, wine and beer are available for purchase, but admission to the very best viewing area — the Gardens at the Polasek Museum — is free. The event schedule includes: 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., water ski show on Lake Virginia with viewing on the Rollins College campus; at 5 p.m., festivities begin at the Polasek Museum with a visit from Santa. (Bring lawn chairs and blankets); at 5:45 p.m., the boat parade begins on the east shore of Lake Virginia and proceeds through the Palm Canal to Lake Osceola, where the parade will pass in front of judges at the Polasek Museum. Visit wpboatparade.com or call 407-647-6492.

It is a wonderful life

That beloved holiday movie — “It’s a Wonderful Life” — has been turned into a play, and the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park will present "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" through Monday, Dec. 19. This American classic comes to life as a 1940s radio broadcast with an ensemble that brings dozens of characters to the stage. The story of George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve, and while it doesn’t exactly spoil the story to say that this is not a tragedy, it is interesting to note that the plot includes the recipe for helping a fairy to earn his/her wings! Tom Larkin directs. The Breakthrough Theatre is located at 419A W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407- 920-4034.

Josh Garrick is a writer, photographer, educator, and fine art curator. He is a member of the Curatorial Council for the Museum of Florida Art. Garrick can be reached at [email protected] or 407-522-3906.